Description
This Soviet AKM magazine set includes three 30-round 7.62×39 magazines and an East German NVA Strichtarn magazine pouch. The magazines have the well-known reddish-orange bodies often called “Bakelite.” Also, their deep curved shape is designed for the 7.62×39 cartridge used by AK and AKM rifles.
Black metal floorplates complete each magazine. Visible mold numbers include 71, 80, and 123. In addition, the magazines show scratches, handling marks, color changes, and other signs of storage or use. Please carefully review all photographs for the exact condition, markings, and completeness of the set.
Soviet Arsenal and Mold Markings
These Soviet AKM magazines display several factory and mold markings. Most notably, the group includes the Tula five-pointed star and the Izhevsk arrow-in-triangle arsenal marks. These marks are important because they help identify the Soviet factories linked to their production.
The magazines also have individual mold numbers. This set includes examples numbered 71, 80, and 123. Therefore, the group offers several different markings rather than three identical magazines. These details add interest for collectors of Soviet AK parts and Cold War military gear.
7.62×39 Bakelite AKM Magazines
Soviet factories produced these lightweight magazines as an alternative to earlier steel AK magazines. The molded bodies reduced weight while still providing the strength needed for military use. In addition, metal parts reinforce key areas of the magazines.
Collectors commonly call these reddish-orange examples Bakelite magazines. However, the molded material is more complex than ordinary Bakelite. The name remains widely used among AK collectors because of the magazines’ color and appearance.
Their deep curve is another important feature. The 7.62×39 cartridge requires a strongly curved magazine because of the shape of the cartridge case. As a result, these magazines have the classic curved profile associated with the AK and AKM.
East German NVA Strichtarn Pouch
The included pouch is East German, not Soviet. It features the distinctive NVA Strichtarn, or “rain pattern,” camouflage used by East Germany.
The pouch has separate sections for carrying curved AK-pattern magazines. In addition, it retains its straps, closures, and other visible hardware. The fabric shows signs of age, storage, and use.
Because the pouch and magazines come from different Warsaw Pact countries, this is best described as a Warsaw Pact AKM accessory grouping rather than a matching Soviet set.
Cold War AK Collector Set
Overall, this Soviet AKM magazine set combines three desirable 7.62×39 magazines with an East German NVA pouch. The Soviet arsenal marks provide added collector interest. Likewise, the different 71, 80, and 123 mold numbers make each magazine easy to distinguish.
Finally, the East German Strichtarn pouch completes the Cold War military look of the group. Together, the Soviet magazines and East German pouch make an attractive set for collectors of AK accessories, Soviet military gear, and Warsaw Pact equipment.
